ELECTRIC-powered post vans are being trialled by the Royal Mail as part of its strategy to make its small commercial vehicles more environmentally friendly. The new electric vehicle is being put through its paces at Winchmore Hill delivery office, North London, and another at Grays delivery office, Essex, from early August.

Mike Horlor, Royal Mail's head of fleet, said: 'These special vans will certainly benefit the environment, but we will also be assessing the operational suitability as well as the environmental and economic impacts of the vehicle. When people think of battery-powered vehicles they think of milk floats, but these vans do not have this distinctive sound - in fact it doesn't make a sound at all, so it's ideal for early morning deliveries.'

Two LDV Convoys were selected for the installation and TransportAction PowerShift has helped fund the project.